Description

Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines the rich, cheesy essence of jalapeño poppers with tender chicken and a spicy kick. This hearty soup uses a blend of fresh jalapeños, shredded chicken, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese to create a comforting meal perfect for warming up on cold days. It’s easy to make on the stovetop and offers a delightful balance of heat and creaminess with a touch of smoky bacon for added depth of flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Sauce & Base

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 large jalapeños, seeds removed and diced (Adjust based on spice preference)
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream (Can substitute half with low-fat milk for a lighter version)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Protein & Cheese

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup crumbled bacon (Optional for added flavor)

Garnish

Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent, building a flavor base.
Add Jalapeños and Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and diced jalapeños. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to release their aromas and infuse the oil with spice.
Cook Chicken: Add the boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the pot, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the pot carefully and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back to the soup pot.
Add Cream and Spices: Stir in the heavy cream, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the flavors smoothly.
Add Cream Cheese: Incorporate the softened cream cheese by stirring continuously until it melts completely and the soup becomes creamy and rich.
Add Cheddar and Bacon: Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully combined. If using, stir in the crumbled bacon for an extra smoky flavor boost.
Simmer for Flavor: Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes over low heat to allow the flavors to meld perfectly together.
Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve immediately for a comforting and spicy meal.

Notes

You can adjust the number of jalapeños to control the heat level of the soup.
For a lighter version, substitute half the heavy cream with low-fat milk.
Omit the bacon to keep the soup less smoky and lower in fat.
Shredding the chicken after cooking ensures tender, bite-sized pieces throughout the soup.
Fresh cilantro adds a bright, refreshing contrast to the creamy and spicy soup.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: jalapeño popper chicken soup, spicy chicken soup, creamy chicken soup, comfort food, spicy soup recipe